About the WRI Polsky Center for the Global Energy Transition:

The WRI Polsky Center for the Global Energy Transition delivers pragmatic, scalable and urgently needed solutions to achieve a clean, abundant, affordable and reliable energy future for all.

Harnessing WRI’s renowned analytical power, convening ability and global expertise, The WRI Polsky Energy Center works with governments, utilities, companies, financial institutions and civil society to find bold solutions to the barriers that stand in the way of the energy transition, including modernizing and expanding grids, unlocking power sector investment, and building a future-ready workforce.

We support the global commitment to accelerate renewable energy, deliver energy storage solutions and increase energy efficiency, while continuing to transition from fossil fuels.

The WRI Polsky Energy Center takes a unique, three-part approach that combines WRI’s renowned experts, a world-class Advisory Group, and collaboration with partners to:

• Generate evidence-based analyses on barriers and solutions through rigorous research from around the world.

• Orchestrate the change by engaging influential actors, banks, companies, utilities, governments and civil society to co-create and implement solutions.

• Leverage WRI’s reach including the Institute’s presence in a dozen of the world’s most influential economies and its global expertise and capabilities across programs.

Internship Highlight:

You will be working on “Energy Minerals and Circularity”, the newest pillar at the WRI Polsky Energy Center.

The clean energy transition requires scaling up the supply of critical minerals, such as copper, nickel, lithium, cobalt and rare earth elements, used in batteries, solar panels, wind turbines and power grids. How can we meet the world’s increasing demand for energy transition minerals, both in time and in ways that protect people and nature? This is the big question we are seeking to answer at the WRI Polsky Energy Center!

You will gain experience in conducting research towards a knowledge product in a world-class non-profit organization, applying academic knowledge to a real-world challenge with clear impact goals for people, nature and climate, working with a small and motivated international team, and learning from senior experts with diverse backgrounds.

What you will do:

In this role, you will work on a research project on the economics of responsible minerals production, together with senior staff based in different WRI country offices. The project connects (geo)politics, economics, and sustainability in the critical minerals sector.

Your internship supervisor will be the Global Lead of Energy Minerals and Circularity.

Research and Analysis (70%):

• Conduct desk research and interviews on given topics.

• Analyze and synthesize information into clear and concise findings.

• Participate in developing knowledge product including writing, managing reviews, and editing.

Communication and Coordination (30%):

• Help create related communication materials, such as infographics and presentations.

• Support coordination of events such as webinars, roundtables, and conference sessions.

What you will need:

• Currently pursuing a degree in political science, economics, international relations, or related field (graduate program preferred).

• Interns at WRI Europe must be registered in a study program with a Dutch college or university for the full duration of the internship.

• Experience in conducting research.

• Experience in writing in English in a professional setting (such as journal papers, formal reports) and with a clear, concise style.

• Experience in creating visuals, infographics, or other communicational materials preferred.

• Proficient in English, both writing and speaking.

Conditions of the internship:

• This is a 4 to 6-month internship with a start date of 16 March 2026.

• This internship will be based at the WRI Europe office in the Hague with some flexibility to work from home.

• This internship offers a reimbursement of 700 euros per month based on full-time working hours (32 hours per week).

How to apply:

Please submit a resume and cover letter by 9 January 2025. Applicants must apply through the WRI Careers portal to be considered. You are encouraged to link to any relevant blogs, projects or other pieces of work that demonstrate your suitability for the internship.

About Us:

World Resources Institute works to improve people’s lives, protect and restore nature and stabilize the climate. As an independent research organization, we leverage our data, expertise and global reach to influence policy and catalyze change across systems like food, land and water; energy; and cities. Our 2,000+ staff work on the ground in more than a dozen focus countries and with partners in over 50 nations.

Our mission and values:

WRI’s mission is to move human society to live in ways that protect Earth’s environment and its capacity to provide for the needs and aspirations of current and future generations.

Our values are shared ideals that bind us together: Integrity, Innovation, Urgency, Independence and Respect.

Our culture:

WRI is committed to advancing gender and social equity for human well-being in our mission including equal opportunities in employment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, caste, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, or protected Veteran status.

Our People Team carefully reviews all applications.